Thunderstorm Wind in Perry County, Illinois

Downburst winds affected a swath of eastern and southern Perry County. The heart of the damage swath cut a path through the northeast and east sides of DuQuoin. The average path width was three-quarters of a mile. The damage path length was about six miles long. Many dozens to hundreds of trees were down on homes, vehicles, power lines, and other structures. Eight homes received major damage, and 82 others had minor damage. Nine vehicles were destroyed. A large portion of the metal roof was blown off a large industrial building. A semi trailer was overturned. Approximately 40 power poles were destroyed. Up to 1200 citizens were without power. There were two minor injuries due to falling debris. Peak winds were estimated near 75 mph.

Thunderstorms rapidly developed along a surface frontal boundary from central Illinois into southern Missouri. Extreme instability and favorable wind shear ahead of the activity promoted organized and isolated supercell storms.